Lifecycles

Bar & Bat Mitzvah

Typically celebrated in the synagogue, the bar/bat mitzvah marks a young person becoming an adult member of the community. Traditionally, the 13-year-old is called upon to recite the Torah blessings and to read a Haftorah, a selection from the prophets. Variations on the ceremony exist. Study programs are also available throughout the community for adult men or women who missed the opportunity to celebrate a bar/bat mitzvah as a teenager. Synagogues provide bar and bat mitzvah training. See Chapter 4, Religious Life & Organizations.

Miriam's Well...Your Simcha Resource*
Invitations, kippot, talitot and other ritual items. Hebrew coaching, gifts and Judaica from Israel for all ages, greeting cards, jewelry, Jewish music, T-shirts, and more.
(650) 341-4400
E-mail: michelle@miriams-well.com

Rabbi Shula Stevens*
Caring and creative bar/bat mitzvah tutoring and ceremonies. East Bay, Marin and Sacramento. Phone tutoring available for distance learners. Beautiful custom prayer books.
1152 Santa Barbara Ct., Sacramento, CA 95816
(510) 384-3097
(916) 442-7315
E-mail: rabbistevens@att.net

San Francisco

Camp Tawonga*
Providing children a space for building Jewish identity, offering summer camp programs next to Yosemite National Park for kids 7-17. Group-centered with emphasis on wilderness and Jewish programming. Teen service learning and Adventure Travel, and weekend programs for individuals, couples and families in the spring and fall. Financial assistance available.
131 Steuart St., Ste 460, San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 543-2267
(415) KID-CAMP
E-mail: info@tawonga.org

South Peninsula

George Rubin*
Individualized instruction for all ages, learning styles, and special needs in bar/bat mitzvah, Hebrew, and Jewish studies, for the affiliated and unaffiliated.
Mail to : P.O. Box 51932, Palo Alto, CA 94303
(650) 424-1940
E-mail: gorubin@comcast.net